Min Woo Lee fired a scintillatory five-under par 31 on the front nine at The Players Championship, putting him firmly in the mix early on at one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. On March 13, 2025, the 26-year-old Australian golfer made his mark at TPC Sawgrass, the event renowned by many as golf's unofficial fifth major, with total prize money of $25 million.
Lee entered the day with high expectations following his impressive finish last year, where he shared the final pairing with eventual champion Scottie Scheffler. He opened his round remarkably with five birdies and no bogeys, displaying not just skill but also composure under pressure. "The craziest you’ll see," Lee remarked, referencing his electrifying play as he moved up the leaderboard.
Heading to the 18th hole, Lee faced adversity after hitting his tee shot right, putting him out of position. He attempted to punch out of the trees but had to scramble through the pine straw to recover. Despite the tension, he maintained his cool under pressure, managing to get up and down from the challenging position to finish the front nine at -5.
Lee's strong performance put him just one shot behind leaders Lucas Glover and Camilo Villegas, who were at -6 by the end of the first round. His early success drew attention not only for his skill but also for the dynamic style of play he exhibited throughout the day.
While Lee thrived, the day proved mixed for his fellow Australians. Jason Day withdrew from the competition due to illness, casting uncertainty over his chances for the season. Cam Davis struggled with his game, finishing with a disappointing four-over par 76, which contrasted sharply with Lee's successful outing. Meanwhile, Adam Scott’s day was characterized by ups and downs, leaving him at +1, struggling to find the consistent form needed at such a competitive event.
Among the rising stars was Karl Vilips, who clinched his spot at The Players with a thrilling victory at the Puerto Rico Open just the week prior. His performance at Sawgrass was equally impressive as he shot -4 through 13 holes, establishing himself as one to watch among the competitors.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler also entered the spotlight, grouped alongside golf legends Rory McIlroy, who was at -5, and Xander Schauffele, who remained even on the day. Scheffler aimed to defend his title vigorously, positioning himself well within the competitive field.
While some lamented their launches, Viktor Hovland found himself at the very bottom of the leaderboard, suffering through eight-over par during his opening round. Max Homa also faced challenges, recording +7, contributing to the overall drama of the tournament.
With the first round completed, excitement is palpable as competitors re-strategize for upcoming rounds at the Players Championship. After such thrilling action on day one, fans are left eager for more, wondering how young stars like Lee will handle the pressure of maintaining their positions moving forward.
Overall, the Players Championship carries intense significance and prestige within the golf community, and Lee’s performance is merely the beginning of what promises to be captivating competition. With each player vying for their slice of the $25 million prize, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the storylines are intensifying.
Through all the drama, unexpected outcomes, and nail-biting moments, golf lovers across the world are tuned in, eager to see how this tournament will shape up, and how players like Min Woo Lee continue to carve their paths to potential greatness.